Know Your Rights

Youth | For Parents | National/Federal

Is Your Child’s School Safe and Affirming for LGBTQ Students?

This information applies to public schools and in some cases private schools that receive federal funding. If you have questions about your child’s rights in private school, contact us. Many students and families wait too long to get help. Don’t wait. Advocate for your student’s rights today.

National/Federal For Parents Q&A

Schools have an obligation to keep students safe

Every New England state has an anti-bullying law. Find information about your state’s law here.

Comments like “That’s so gay!” and anti-LGBTQ slurs are harassment. If it’s mean, teachers should intervene.

Teachers and administrators should have a plan to address bullying, including cyberbullying.

See the page on Bullying for suggestions for reporting bullying and getting help if your school does not respond.

Gay-Straight Alliances/LGBTQ Clubs

The presence of a GSA or other LGBTQ club can make LGBTQ students feel safer.

Your child’s school should allow GSAs to form on the same basis as any other club.

GSAs/LGBTQ clubs are allowed to choose their own names, and shouldn’t be forced into euphemisms like “The Diversity Club.”

If you need help getting your child’s school to respond to a request to start a GSA/LGBTQ club, contact us at GLAD Answers.

First Amendment/Expression

LGBTQ students should be able to freely discuss their identities, including dating and romantic interests, on the same terms as other student. Also, students should feel free to engage in displays of affection on the same terms as other students.

Your child should be able to access positive LGBTQ websites at school if Internet access is allowed. But school filters often block these sites improperly. You can check your school’s Internet filters using our checklist.

Students should be able to dress in a way that fits their gender identity.

At Prom or other school dances, LGBTQ students should be able to:

Attend on the same basis as other students

Dress according to their gender identity

Bring a date of their choosing on the same terms as other students, regardless of gender

Non-discrimination

Gender identity and sexual orientation should be included in your child’s school’s non-discrimination policy.

Positive information about LGBTQ people and issues should be included in the curriculum and available in the library.

Health and sexual education classes should offer information that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

School nurses should be trained to work with LGBTQ youth.

Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Students

Check to see if your school has the following policies. Specific guidance has been established in Connecticut and Massachusetts for the safe and respectful treatment of transgender students. If you live in another state, you can still ask your school to read this guidance in considering their policies.

Does your child’s school have a policy for ensuring that transgender students are referred to by their preferred names and pronouns?

Does your school have a policy for ensuring the confidentiality of school and medical records?

Are students able to dress in a way that fits their gender identity?

Are transgender students able to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity?